PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A center city law firm held an NCAA March Madness all-day party, to get some clients out of the office, and help feed the hungry.

Up on the 50th floor of Top of the Tower, near Logan Square, 500-invited guests mingled,  swapped business cards, and ate Philly-style foods. Importantly, they also took park in a silent auction to benefit Philabundance, the region’s largest food bank. 

Mitchell Kaplan (in photo above) is with the Zarwin, Baum law firm.

“We decided, particularly with the economy the way it was, we wanted to do something good, and it shouldn’t just be a networking event.”

Philadelphia’s major league sporting teams, players, as well as businesses, hotels and restaurants donated items and gift certificates.

One client, Jerry Ehrlich, sells safety products and he was bidding on a popular item.

“I’m looking at the Ryan Howard baseball. Right now, it’s at $150.”

Mickey McLaughlin, who is in the energy business, bought raffle tickets for a Vespa.

“I brought my team up here, there’s about 25 of us. If I win something, I’ll donate it right back so they could get more things for the food bank.”

The chairman of the board of Philabundance, Alan Casnoff is grateful for the donations.

“But also, to make people aware of who we are and what we do.”

Reported by Steve Tawa, KYW Newsradio